American ready to renegotiate with pilots

DALLAS (AP)- American Airlines officials say they want to resume contract negotiations with pilots, but the union wants a written invitation.

The Allied Pilots Association said late Sunday night that it hasn't met with management, no talks are scheduled, and no deal is imminent.

With permission from a federal bankruptcy judge, American set new pay and work rules for pilots this month. Since then, American seen more canceled and delayed flights. It blames pilots for filing last-minute maintenance requests and calling in sick.

The union says maintenance requests cover safety issues and sick days are running close to normal.

A company spokesman said last week that American was ready to resume negotiations. The union says it needs the request in writing to "establish a protocol" for talks.